February 9, 2025

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

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Swan Song (Film Review)

Swan Song

From the moment Udo Kier steps out from an extravagant red curtain and declares ‘Mr. Pat is back' you know you're in for a treat. It doesn't matter that reality snaps us back to a dreary nursing home. We are still left with Kier's fascinating character and his strange journey ahead.

Having once been the stylist extraordinaire to the high society members in Sandusky, Ohio. Pat now spends his days in a dull lifeless nursing home. But opportunity for escape comes in the form of a dying wish from a former client who wants him to style her hair one last time. The journey takes Pat down memory lane; remembering ghosts from the past, his once thriving business, his loves and his greatest losses, all while gathering together the items he needs to perform his duty.

The aptly named Swan Song has many meanings for Mr. Pat himself. This journey back to town and his old life feels more like a last hurrah than triumphant return. This is also the last time he will get to see his former client who was in fact a very dear friend who betrayed him when he needed her most. Aside from the physical journey that Pat takes, there are societal comments on the state of things, particularly with a beloved gay bar being closed. The ‘swan song' of the title also includes the final night where Mr Pat makes it back on stage to give an electrifying final performance.  There are many ‘lasts' for Mr Pat which gain more meaning as the story grows closer to the final hairdo. Collecting the items needed for this final hairdo serves as not only a way to pick through the past but gives us an insight into who Pat was and the impact he had on others around him. His flamboyant jewellery and memorable personality shows that he has not been forgotten and to some people he meets, will always be remembered with favour.

This could be construed as just a journey story, but grief is so well embedded into Pat, that this is a journey of discovery and ultimately acceptance. Along the road to town, Pat stops at where the home he shared with his partner David once was and he sadness that envelops him is explained. The grief continues to spill out as the journey continues, but Kier plays his pain just above the surface, making it seem that Pat is above it all whilst actually breaking into pieces. Whether it is remembering his lost love or the friendship he held so dear meaning nothing to Rita, or so it seemed. Kier gives a brilliant understated performance while still maintaining that element of glamour that we all admire him for.

With moments of pure joy coupled with those of deep despair, there is something special to witness in Kier's performance. But with , in a rare dramatic role and appearing as supporting characters to the Mr Pat story, the screen lights up, but as not as brightly as the fabulous chandelier head piece.

 

Swan Song is released 10th June